Denominations Byzantine coinage

justinian half-follis, 20 nummi. note k on reverse.

new bronze coins, multiples of nummus introduced, such 40 nummi (also known follis), 20 nummi, 10 nummi, , 5 nummi coins (other denominations produced). obverse (front) of these coins featured highly stylized portrait of emperor while reverse (back) featured value of denomination represented according greek numbering system (m=40, k=20, i=10, e=5). silver coins produced.

romanus iii miliaresion.

the regularly issued silver coin hexagram first issued heraclius in 615 lasted until end of 7th century, minted in varying fineness weight between 7.5 , 8.5 grams. succeeded ceremonial miliaresion established leo iii isaurian in ca. 720, became standard issue ca. 830 on , until late 11th century, when discontinued after being severely debased. small transactions conducted bronze coinage throughout period.

the gold solidus or nomisma remained standard of international commerce until 11th century, when began debased under successive emperors beginning in 1030s under emperor romanos argyros (1028–1034). until time, fineness of gold remained consistent @ about 0.955–0.980.

histamenon constantine viii.

the byzantine monetary system changed during 7th century when 40 nummi (also known follis), smaller, became bronze coin regularly issued. although justinian ii (685–695 , 705–711) attempted restoration of follis size of justinian i, follis continued decrease in size.

in 9th century, three-fourths-weight solidus issued in parallel full-weight solidus, both preserving standard of fineness, under failed plan force market accept underweight coins @ value of full weight coins. ⁄12 weight coin called tetarteron (a greek comparative adjective, literally fourth-er ), , full weight solidus called histamenon. tetarteron unpopular , sporadically reissued during 10th century. full weight solidus struck @ 72 roman pound, 4.48 grams in weight. there solidi of weight reduced 1 siliqua issued trade near east. these reduced solidi, star both on obverse , reverse, weighed 4.25 g.

the byzantine solidus valued in western europe, became known bezant, corruption of byzantium. term bezant became name heraldic symbol of roundel, tincture or - i.e. gold disc.